With the triumphs of our Stage 2 play behind us (a fabulous conclusion to a very productive year with a super group of students) we now turn our attention to the end year celebrations and, of course, to Christmas.
In a recent conversation I heard the comment, “I hate Christmas!” Although this initially took me by surprise, on reflection I suspect that for many people Christmas is not an enjoyable experience – sad but true. Traditionally Christmas is the one time in the year when families come together, it’s a time of sharing, celebrating, giving and receiving. However, statistics tell us that for many families this coming together often rekindles old family grievances which sometimes leads to quite unhappy situations. ‘Gifting’ in our contemporary materialistic society can place enormous stress and financial pressure on families, and then there’s the craziness of the shopping mall, finding a parking place and not least of all negotiating the masses of people out and about. With all of the above in mind, is it any wonder that some (many?) people dread the thought of Christmas? On another level, with all the emphasis on the giving and receiving of presents, has Christmas lost its true meaning in the ‘modern’ era?
I have to admit that I’m no longer a regular Church-goer; I was once, now I only attend services very occasionally, but I do still like to go at Christmas time and Easter. For me the mystery of Christmas still holds something special that is worth celebrating. I strive to live my life treating people the way I would like them to treat me. I believe in the power of forgiveness: ‘to err is human, to forgive divine’. I think that turning the other cheek is a show of genuine strength. I believe that through humility we gain respect. If living my life in this way makes me a Christian, then so be it. Despite all the pressures and stresses of Christmas, I love it for its true meaning, it reminds me of all that is good in the world, and it gives hope for a better tomorrow for future generations.
This is my last blog for 2014 and I want to take this opportunity to wish our whole college community a fabulous Christ-filled Christmas, an adventure-filled holiday break, and a fabulous 2015.
Onward and upward IFS-ITS!
My generation – Loved John Lennon and the Beatles.
Happy Christmas
Rodney
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